Challenge

When we were introduced to this project, the Sydney Dance Company were about to be made homeless due to the major renovation of their Walsh Bay studios. The project was to find a new location for their rehearsal studios, and then fit it out for a 3-5 year occupation. Spaces had to accommodate both the professional dancers and those signing up for lessons.

Response

We often say our buildings are the background or the stage for life, rather than the show itself. It was never more true than in this project. We designed dance studio spaces as monochrome and calm, a backdrop able to take on the character of any performance and emphasise the movement of the dancers. The dance studios match exactly the sizes of the two stages that SDC regularly perform on. Ancillary spaces like physiotherapy rooms, gyms, change rooms, lounges and reception are all professional and hard-working.

It takes a lot of effort make things look effortless, both in dance and in architecture.